More than 20 countries representing the diverse Latinx community each have its own signature cocktail, which is both a source of national pride and friendly international competition.
In my familia Peruana for example, Pisco is sacred. This clear spirit, distilled from wine, is the pride and joy of every Peruvian; and no family gathering is complete without several family members boasting about their particular take on Peru’s national drink, the Pisco Sour.
So, grab your shaker, amigos! We’re giving you 5 tried and true cocktails to liven up your Latinx-inspired home bartender game!
PERU: Pisco Sour
Five simple ingredients is all you need to make this beloved tart and refreshing cocktail. Impress your friends with this foamy concoction.
Ingredients:
2 oz Pisco
.75 oz Lime Juice
.75 oz Simple Syrup (1:1 ratio of water to sugar)
1 Egg white
Angostura bitters (not required, but recommended)
Recipe:
– Shake the Pisco, lime juice, simple syrup and egg white in a cocktail shaker or mason jar
– Add ice to the shaker and continue shaking until frothy
– Strain into a rocks glass or coupe
– Top with a few drops of angostura bitters
CUBA: Mojito
If you’re looking for a simple, thirst-quenching drink, look no further than the classic Mojito. There are tons of variations, but this one’s lasted the test of time for a reason!
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Cuban rum
Lime juice (half a lime, quartered)
Just under 1 tbsp raw sugar
8 Mint leaves
Crushed Ice
Soda water or seltzer (a splash)
Recipe:
– Pour the sugar directly into your highball glass
– Add lime wedges and mint leaves into glass and muddle (with a wooden muddler, ideally)
– Fill your glass 2/3 with crushed or cracked ice
– Pour in the rum and swizzle
– Top with 1 oz of soda water
– Place a bouquet of mint along the side before adding as garnish
MEXICO: Paloma
Mexico is known around the world for its many tequilas, but if you’re looking for a perfect pairing of sweet and sour to complement this vegetal spirit, check out the Paloma!
Ingredients:
2 oz Tequila Blanco
1 Pinch of salt
Grapefruit soda (ideally Squirt or Jarritos grapefruit soda. Otherwise substitute with fresh grapefruit juice + club soda + simple syrup)
Lime juice (half a lime)
Ice
Grapefruit twist (optional for garnish)
Recipe:
– Fill a highball glass with ice
– Add tequila and salt
– Squeeze the lime half into the glass and drop the squeezed wedge into the drink
– Top it off with grapefruit soda
– Garnish with grapefruit twist
BRAZIL: Caipirinha
Here’s a cocktail that puts front and center its nation’s most treasured spirit, cachaça. Though it comes from sugar cane, don’t call it rum! The unique, grassy, and funky liquor is perfectly showcased in this 3 ingredient recipe.
Ingredients:
2 oz Cachaça
1 Lime, cut into wedges
2 tsp Sugar
Lime wheel (optional for garnish)
Ice
Recipe:
– Place the lime wedges and sugar into a rocks glass and muddle well
– Top the drink with cachaça, stir well
– Fill the glass with ice and stir
– Garnish with lime wheel
PUERTO RICO: Coquito
Ingredients:
1/2 Cup white rum
1 Can cream of coconut (15oz)
1 Can sweetened condensed milk (14oz)
1 Can sweetened condensed milk (14oz)
1 Can evaporated milk (12oz)
1 Cup unsweetened coconut milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Cinnamon sticks (optional, for garnish)
Recipe:
– Put the cream of coconut, condensed milk, evaporated milk, coconut milk beverage, rum, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg in a blender and blend until smooth, about 2 minutes.
– Transfer to a pitcher or bottle, cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid and refrigerate until very cold, at least 1 hour.
– Take the coquito out of the fridge and shake it (mixture may separate slightly as it sits).
– Pour into individual mugs or glasses, top with more nutmeg and serve with a cinnamon stick
To learn how you can discover Latinx businesses serving these drinks near you on Yelp click here.
